# Francis Arinze

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Nigerian Catholic cardinal (born 1932)

Francis Arinze Cardinal Cardinal Bishop of Velletri–Segni Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments See Velletri-Segni Appointed 1 October 2002 Term ended 9 December 2008 Predecessor Jorge Arturo Augustin Medina Estévez Successor Antonio Cañizares Llovera Other post Cardinal-Bishop of Velletri-Segni Previous posts Coadjutor bishop of Onitsha (1965–1967) Titular bishop of Fissiana (1965–1967) Archbishop of Onitsha (1967–1985) President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (1979–1984) Pro-Prefect of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (1984–1985) Cardinal deacon of San Giovanni della Pigna (1985–1996) President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (1985–2002) Cardinal priest of San Giovanni della Pigna (1996–2005) Orders Ordination 23 November 1958 by Gregorio Pietro Agagianian Consecration 29 August 1965 by Charles Heerey Created cardinal 25 May 1985 by Pope John Paul II Rank Cardinal deacon (1985–1996) Cardinal priest (1996–2005) Cardinal bishop (since 2005) Personal details Born (1932-11-01) 1 November 1932 (age 93) Onitsha, Colony of Nigeria, British Empire Motto Regnum Christi floreat (lit. 'May the Kingdom of Christ flourish') Coat of arms

Styles of Francis Arinze Reference style His Eminence The Most Reverend Eminence Spoken style Your Eminence Religious style Cardinal Informal style Cardinal

**Francis Arinze** ([//](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [ⓘ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ig-Francis_Arinz.ogg); born 1 November 1932) is a Nigerian [prelate](/source/Prelate) of the [Catholic Church](/source/Catholic_Church), who served as the Prefect of the [Secretariat for Non-Christians](/source/Dicastery_for_Interreligious_Dialogue) from 1984 to 2002 and [Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments](/source/Prefect_of_the_Congregation_for_Divine_Worship_and_the_Discipline_of_the_Sacraments) from 2002 to 2008. He previously served as the [Archbishop of Onitsha](/source/Archbishop_of_Onitsha) from 1967 to 1985 and as the president of the [Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria](/source/Catholic_Bishops'_Conference_of_Nigeria) from 1979 to 1984. Arinze is the current [Cardinal Bishop of Velletri–Segni](/source/Suburbicarian_Diocese_of_Velletri%E2%80%93Segni) since 2005 and was one of the principal advisors to [Pope John Paul II](/source/Pope_John_Paul_II) and was considered *[papabile](/source/Papabile)* at the [2005 Papal conclave](/source/2005_Papal_conclave). According to Cardinal [John Onaiyekan](/source/John_Onaiyekan), Arinze is the only surviving council father among the few who went from Nigeria to the [Second Vatican Council](/source/Second_Vatican_Council).

Born in Eziowelle, [Anambra State](/source/Anambra_State), Nigeria, Arinze was made a cardinal in 1985 and named [Cardinal-bishop of Velletri-Segni](/source/Roman_Catholic_Suburbicarian_Diocese_of_Velletri%E2%80%93Segni) in 2005.

## Early life, family, and education

Francis Arinze was born on 1 November 1932 as the third out of seven children.[1] Born in [Eziowelle](/source/Eziowelle), [Anambra State](/source/Anambra_State), Southeastern Nigeria, his father was Arinze Nwankwu (later baptised as Joseph) and his mother was Bernadette Mgbafor Arinze (née Ekwoanya).[2] He has three brothers: Christopher, Linus, and Faustin; and three sisters: Cecilia, Victoria, and Catherine.[3] Arinze's birth name, Anizoba (meaning "May the land save, may the spirit save, may the earth spirit save you") was formed from the name of the spirit called *Ani*, who cares for the earth, the traditions and customs of the people[4] according to the [African religion](/source/African_traditional_religion),[5] which the family practiced until Francis became nine years old on 1 November 1941, when he was baptised as Francis into the [Catholic Church](/source/Catholic_Church) by Father [Cyprian Tansi](/source/Cyprian_Tansi), whom he would later serve as an altar server. He also developed interest to the priesthood but his father opposed him citing "you will not become a priest because if you become a priest, you will not marry and you won't have children and you will be hearing all the bad things people do in your two ears and that is not good".[5][6]

Arinze, along his siblings attended the missionary school. Parents saw how the missionaries dominated the society and their influence on children were positive, they baptised their children. Arinze's two elder brothers and his sisters were also baptised. Arinze completed his primary school at St. Anthony's Dunukofia. The following year, in 1947 at age 15, he was admitted into [All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha](/source/All_Hallows_Seminary%2C_Onitsha) (then in [Nnewi](/source/Nnewi) but was part of now [Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu](/source/Bigard_Memorial_Seminary_Enugu)), where he studied philosophy and graduated in 1952. In 1955, he went to Rome to study theology at the [Pontifical Urban University](/source/Pontifical_Urban_University).[7]

On 23 November 1958, Arinze was ordained by [Gregorio Pietro Agagianian](/source/Gregorio_Pietro_Agagianian), who later became a cardinal.[8] He remained in Rome, where he completed his master's degree in theology in 1958 and his doctorate in [sacred theology](/source/Sacred_theology), *[summa cum laude](/source/Summa_cum_laude)* in 1960.[7] His doctoral theses, "Igbo Sacrifice as an introduction to the Catechesis of Holy Mass" was highly cited by scholars and was later published into a book in 1970 by the Ibadan University Press under the title *Sacrifice in Ibo Religion*.[2] From 1961 to 1962, Arinze served as the regional director of Catholic education for eastern Nigeria, as well as taught liturgy, [logic](/source/Logic), and basic philosophy at Bigard Memorial Seminary. He went to London to further his formal education at the [Institute of Education](/source/Institute_of_Education), where he bagged a diploma in 1964.[7]

## Episcopacy

On 6 July 1965, [Pope Paul VI](/source/Pope_Paul_VI) appointed Arinze as bishop of the [Titular diocese of Fissiana](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Fissiana) and [coadjutor](/source/Coadjutor_bishop) to [Charles Heerey](/source/Charles_Heerey), the [Archbishop of Onitsha](/source/Archdiocese_of_Onitsha),[9] hence making him the youngest Catholic bishop in the world when Heerey consecrated him on 29 August 1965 at the age of 32.[10][11] He attended the final session of the [Second Vatican Council](/source/Second_Vatican_Council) in 1965.[8] When Heerey died on 6 February 1967, Pope Paul VI appointed Arinze to succeed him as archbishop on 26 June 1967. He became the first native African to head a diocese.[7][10][12][a]

The [Nigerian Civil War](/source/Nigerian_Civil_War) broke out few days after the episcopacy of Arinze began. Because the Archdiocese of Onitsha was located in the secessionist state [Biafra](/source/Biafra), he became a refugee, fleeing to [Adazi](/source/Adazi-Nnukwu) and then [Amichi](/source/Amichi), where he stayed until the war ended in 1970.[13] He recalled supervising the distribution of relief materials to other refugees as well as the sick and hungry [Biafrans](/source/Biafrans). He was known to have kept the diocese independent of the warring factions. At the end of the war, the Nigerian government deported all foreign missionaries working in the archdiocese, leaving only the native clergy and religious, who were few in number. Catholic schools were also confiscated.[14][15]

When the war ended, he continued as the archbishop and the president of the [Catholic Bishop's Conference of Nigeria](/source/Catholic_Bishop's_Conference_of_Nigeria) (CBCN). An advocate of [interfaith dialogue](/source/Interfaith_dialogue), Arinze was known to work well with Muslims in Nigeria, hence Pope John Paul II appointed him as pro president of the [Vatican City](/source/Vatican_City)'s Secretariat for non-Christian believers (present [Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue](/source/Dicastery_for_Interreligious_Dialogue)). On 9 March 1985, Arinze resigned as archbishop of Onitsha.[7]

### Episcopal anniversaries

In August 2025, Arinze was praised by [Peter Obi](/source/Peter_Obi) on his 60th episcopal anniversary, via [Twitter](/source/Twitter), as " a living witness to faith and renewal in the Catholic Church".[16]

## Cardinalate

[Pope John Paul II](/source/Pope_John_Paul_II) named Arinze Cardinal-Deacon of [San Giovanni della Pigna](/source/Church_of_San_Giovanni_della_Pigna) in a [consistory](/source/Papal_consistory) held on 25 May 1985.[17] He received his cardinal's hat in Rome on 25 May 1985, while [Stephen Ezeanya](/source/Stephen_Ezeanya) succeeded him as the Archbishop of Onitsha.[18] After ten years he exercised his option to be raised to the rank of cardinal-priest, which Pope John Paul approved on 29 January 1996.[19] Two days after he became a cardinal, Arinze was appointed president of the Secretariat for Non-Christians, which was renamed the [Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue](/source/Dicastery_for_Interreligious_Dialogue) in 1988.[20]

He served in various related capacities including as the president of the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. He also received honours in this capacity: On 24 October 1999 he received a gold medallion from the [International Council of Christians and Jews](/source/International_Council_of_Christians_and_Jews) for his outstanding achievements in inter-faith relations. He traveled extensively and became a popular speaker in the United States.

Arinze was a member of the Committee of the [Great Jubilee](/source/Great_Jubilee) in 2000. In that capacity, he worked closely with individual bishops and priests throughout the world in preparation for the rare celebration. On 1 October 2002, Pope John Paul II named him prefect of the [Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments](/source/Dicastery_for_Divine_Worship_and_the_Discipline_of_the_Sacraments).

### Conclaves

See also: [2005 papal conclave](/source/2005_papal_conclave) and [2013 papal conclave](/source/2013_papal_conclave)

From early 2000, observers reportedly suggest that Arinze might become the successor of Pope John Paul II, hence making him the first African-born Pope in 1500 years, since [Pope Gelasius](/source/Pope_Gelasius_I) (492–496). Other African Popes were [Pope Miltiades](/source/Pope_Miltiades) (311–314) and [Pope Victor I](/source/Pope_Victor_I) (183–203) [21]

When Pope John Paul II died on 2 April 2005, all major Vatican officials were dissolved automatically, including Arinze's position. Among the 115 [cardinal electors](/source/Cardinal_elector), he was the only African cardinal considered *[papabile](/source/Papabile)* for the [2005 papal conclave](/source/2005_papal_conclave), where Cardinal Ratzinger, later [Pope Benedict XVI](/source/Pope_Benedict_XVI) was elected on 19 April 2005. Pope Benedict XVI retained him as the prefect of the [Congregation for Divine Worship](/source/Congregation_for_Divine_Worship) on 21 April 2005.[22] On 25 April of the same year, the Pope elevated him to the position of a [Cardinal Bishop](/source/Cardinal_Bishop), heading the [Suburbicarian Diocese of Velletri-Segni](/source/Roman_Catholic_Suburbicarian_Diocese_of_Velletri%E2%80%93Segni), a post Pope Benedict XVI held before he was elected Pope.[23] On 9 December 2008, Arinze retired as the prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship.[24]

See also: [2025 papal conclave](/source/2025_papal_conclave)

Arinze was rumoured to be the next Pope after the death of [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis). According to *[TheCable](/source/TheCable)* fact checking team, he was not among the 115 cardinal electors to lecture, and that eventually elected [Pope Leo XIV](/source/Pope_Leo_XIV) on 8 May 2025.[25]

On 20 May 2026, Cardinal Arinze was received in a private audience by [Pope Leo XIV](/source/Pope_Leo_XIV) at the Vatican.[26]

## Notable views

### Interfaith dialogue

Although Arinze, like Pope John Paul II, was known to be very conservative with the [Catholic doctrine](/source/Catholic_theology), he is an advocate for [interfaith dialogue](/source/Interfaith_dialogue). He asserted that every religion have to adapt to their way of seeking salvation. He reportedly also said that [Buddhists](/source/Buddhist), [Muslims](/source/Muslims), and [Jews](/source/Jews) can get to heaven.[21]

In July 2009, he delivered a major speech promoting interreligious dialogue at The City Club of Cleveland.[27]

### Eucharist

In May 2018, he addressed the ongoing controversies about granting access to the [Holy Eucharist](/source/Holy_Eucharist). He objected to any interpretation of [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis)' *[Amoris laetitia](/source/Amoris_laetitia)* that would allow a Catholic remarried without an [annulment](/source/Declaration_of_nullity) to receive [Communion](/source/Eucharist_in_the_Catholic_Church) as an act of mercy, saying that Christ saw that condition as adultery and "We cannot be more merciful than Christ." With respect to the proposal endorsed by many German bishops to allow the Protestant spouses of Catholics to receive communion, he said that it was not a question of "hospitality" and the celebration of Mass is "not an ecumenical service".[28]

### Vatican Council II

In 2009, Arinze gave a commencement address at the [Augustine Institute](/source/Augustine_Institute) in Denver. He actively teaches [Catechism of the Catholic Church](/source/Catechism_of_the_Catholic_Church) via Familyland TV to the Americas, the Philippines, Africa, and Europe. He has produced over 1,700 television programs with the [Apostolate for Family Consecration](/source/Apostolate_for_Family_Consecration). The programs cover almost all of [Pope John Paul II](/source/Pope_John_Paul_II)'s encyclicals and apostolic letters, the teachings of [the Second Vatican Council](/source/Vatican_II),[29] and many other topics.

### Vocation

On 13 June 2025 in a meeting with Nigerian students in Rome, Arinze clarified his view on [Christian vocation](/source/Vocation#Christianity), asserting that "every person has a unique vocation, understood as God's specific plan for their life". He also stated that "vocation is not limited to the priesthood or religious life, but also to any profession ranging from law, engineering, music, or academia".[30]

### Nigerian politics

On 30 April 2025, Arinze, after welcoming some priests at his residence in the Vatican, charged the priests to help in reducing pain in Nigeria through giving the congregation messages of hope. He labelled Nigerian politicians as "a sad group".[31]

## Distinctions and legacy

Arinze has received honorary degrees from universities including the [University of Nigeria](/source/University_of_Nigeria) in 1986, the [Catholic University of America](/source/Catholic_University_of_America) in 1998, [Wake Forest University](/source/Wake_Forest_University) in 1999, the [University of Santo Tomas](/source/University_of_Santo_Tomas) in 2001, the [University of Notre Dame](/source/University_of_Notre_Dame) in 2003, the [University of St. Mary of the Lake](/source/University_of_Saint_Mary_of_the_Lake) in 2003, and [Seton Hall University](/source/Seton_Hall_University) in 2005.[32]

On 5 October 2021, a center for peace and reconciliation was established in Arinze's name in Nigeria.[33] In 1985, Arinze was awarded the [chieftaincy title](/source/Nigerian_Chieftaincy) of the "Ochudouwa" of [Eziowelle](/source/Eziowelle), his hometown.[34] He was listed along [Victorinus Youn Kong-hi](/source/Victorinus_Youn_Kong-hi), [Daniel Verstraete](/source/Daniel_Verstraete) and [José de Jesús Sahagún de la Parra](/source/Jos%C3%A9_de_Jes%C3%BAs_Sahag%C3%BAn_de_la_Parra) as the four surviving Council Fathers of the [Second Vatican Council](/source/Second_Vatican_Council) held between 1962 and 1965.

## Bibliography

- *Sacrifice in Ibo Religion* ([University of California Press](/source/University_of_California_Press), 1970)[23]

- *The Church in Dialogue: Walking With Other Believers* (1990)[23]

- *Meeting Other Believers: The Risks and Rewards of Interreligious Dialogue* (1998)

- *Religions for Peace: A Call for Solidarity to the Religions of the World* (2002)[23]

- *The Evangelizing Parish* ([Ignatius Press](/source/Ignatius_Press), 2018)

- *The Family Catechism on Tape*, Apostolate for Family Consecration

- *Divine Providence: God's Design in Your Life* (2005)

- *Building Bridges: Interreligious Dialogue on the Path to World Peace* (2004)

- *Cardinal Reflections: Active Participation and the Liturgy* (2005)

- *The Holy Eucharist* ([Our Sunday Visitor](/source/Our_Sunday_Visitor), 2001) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-87973-978-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-87973-978-9)

- *Celebrating the Holy Eucharist* (2006)

- *Religions for Peace* (Darton, Longman & Todd, 2002)

- *God's Invisible Hand: The Life and Work of Francis Cardinal Arinze*, Ignatius Press, 2006

- *Great Figures in Salvation History: David and Solomon*, an interview with Cardinal Arinze and Roy Schoemann, Ignatius Press, 2006

## References

### Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Although Arinze was the titular bishop and coadjutor to Heerey, he was a titular archbishop, therefore he didn't have the right to succeed the office of the archbishop of Onitsha upon Heerey's resignation or death.[9]

### Citations

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Carroll, Rory (3 October 2003). ["The Guardian profile: Cardinal Francis Arinze"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/oct/03/catholicism.religion). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. Retrieved 10 May 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Cado_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Cado_2-1) ["Francis Cardinal Arinze"](https://onitsha-archdiocese.org/duplicated-bishop-j-shanahan-3378/). *[Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha](/source/Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Onitsha)*. 12 December 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEArinze20119_3-0)** [Arinze 2011](#CITEREFArinze2011), p. 9.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEArinze201111_4-0)** [Arinze 2011](#CITEREFArinze2011), p. 11.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012267_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012267_5-1) [Akyeampong & Jr 2012](#CITEREFAkyeampongJr2012), p. 267.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Goshen-Gottstein, Alon (4 October 2021). *Interreligious Heroes*. Wipf and Stock Publishers. p. 119. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-6667-0960-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-6667-0960-5).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012268a_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012268a_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012268a_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012268a_7-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012268a_7-4) [Akyeampong & Jr 2012](#CITEREFAkyeampongJr2012), p. 268a.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-celeb_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-celeb_8-1) ["Vatican, Onitsha to celebrate Francis Cardinal Arinze's 60th anniversary"](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/vatican-onitsha-to-celebrate-francis-cardinal-arinzes-60th-anniversary/). *[Vanguard](/source/Vanguard_(Nigeria))*. Lagos, Nigeria. 8 December 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-AAS1965_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-AAS1965_9-1) [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-57-1965-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LVII. 1965. p. 930. Retrieved 28 December 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-vanguard_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-vanguard_10-1) ["Pope Francis, others extol Cardinal Arinze as he marks 50 years of priestly ordination"](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/pope-francis-others-extol-cardinal-arinze-as-he-marks-50-years-of-priestly-ordination/). *[Vanguard](/source/Vanguard_(Nigeria))*. Lagos, Nigeria. 29 November 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Sun, The Catholic (16 April 2018). ["Diocese to welcome Cardinal Arinze April 18–22"](https://www.catholicsun.org/2018/04/16/diocese-to-welcome-cardinal-arinze/). *The Catholic Sun*. Retrieved 9 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-59-1967-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LIX. 1967. p. 716. Retrieved 28 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Remembering Nigeria's Biafra war that many prefer to forget"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51094093). *BBC*. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["U.S. Department of State Annual Report on International Religious Freedom for 2003 - Philippines"](https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/usdos/2003/en/19330). *refworld.org*. Retrieved 16 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Yussuf J. Simmonds (2009). ["Cardinal Francis arinze"](https://lasentinel.net/cardinal-francis-arinze.html). *Los Angeles sentinel*. Retrieved 23 September 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Omotere, Samuel (29 August 2025). ["Obi felicitates Cardinal Arinze on 60th episcopal anniversary"](https://punchng.com/obi-felicitates-cardinal-arinze-on-60th-episcopal-anniversary/). *[The Punch](/source/The_Punch)*. Retrieved 11 December 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["New 'Princes of the Church'"](https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/26/world/new-princes-of-the-church.html). *New York Times*. 26 May 1985. Retrieved 29 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Ozigboh, Ikenga R. A. (1985). [*Igbo Catholicism: The Onitsha Connection, 1967-1984*](https://books.google.com/books?id=lt8RAQAAIAAJ&q=archbishop+stephen+ezeanya+news). Africana-Fep Publishers. p. XV. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-978-175-109-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-978-175-109-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-88-1996-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LXXXVIII. 1996. pp. 226–7. Retrieved 29 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** [*Acta Apostolicae Sedis*](https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-77-1985-ocr.pdf) (PDF). Vol. LXXVII. 1985. p. 675. Retrieved 29 December 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012268b_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012268b_22-1) [Akyeampong & Jr 2012](#CITEREFAkyeampongJr2012), p. 268b.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** CNA. ["Pope Francis: I was 'used' against Ratzinger in 2005 conclave"](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/257247/pope-francis-i-was-used-against-ratzinger-in-2005-conclave-but-he-was-my-candidate). *Catholic News Agency*. Retrieved 16 June 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012269_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012269_24-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012269_24-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAkyeampongJr2012269_24-3) [Akyeampong & Jr 2012](#CITEREFAkyeampongJr2012), p. 269.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Rinunce e Nomine, 09.12.2008"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2008/12/09/0768/01901.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 9 December 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Chibundu, Janefrances (21 April 2025). ["FACT CHECK: Is Cardinal Arinze eligible to be elected as the next Pope?"](https://factcheck.thecable.ng/fact-check-is-cardinal-arinze-eligible-to-be-elected-as-the-next-pope/). *[TheCable](/source/TheCable)*. Retrieved 11 December 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Le Udienze, 20.05.2026"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/05/20/0423/00832.html). *press.vatican.va* (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 20 May 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Francis Cardinal Arinze Speech Pt. 1/5"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WktMX2-OI8Q). *[YouTube](/source/YouTube)*. 3 August 2009. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/WktMX2-OI8Q) from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Roberts, James (31 May 2018). ["Arinze insists intercommunion restrictions must remain"](https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/9180/arinze-insists-intercommunion-restrictions-must-remain). *The Tablet*. Retrieved 2 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** For example, Arinze, F., [Expanding Communications Opportunities in the Apostolate (From Vatican II Inter Mirifica to 21st Century Communications Challenges in the Apostolate of the Church)](https://web.archive.org/web/20241118040038/https://www.acjol.org/index.php/encounter/article/download/4420/4309), EJ 14 (2023) 11-16, *Academic Journals Online*, published in 2023, archived on 18 November 2024, accessed on 13 August 2025

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Cardinal Arinze Meets with Nigerian Students in Rome"](https://opusdei.org/en-ng/article/cardinal-arinze-meets-with-nigerian-students-in-rome/). *Opus Dei*. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 11 December 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["Hardship: Cardinal Arinze blasts politicians"](https://thesun.ng/hardship-cardinal-arinze-blasts-politicians/). *[The Sun](/source/The_Sun_(Nigeria))*. Lagos, Nigeria. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 11 December 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Francis Cardinal Arinze"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221231004138/https://www.onitsha-archdiocese.org/archbishop/past-archbishops/francis-cardinal-arinze). *Archdiocese of Onitsha*. Archived from [the original](https://www.onitsha-archdiocese.org/archbishop/past-archbishops/francis-cardinal-arinze) on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Odida Eziowelle Immortalizes Francis Cardinal Arinze: Establishes an Ultra Modern Center for Peace and Reconciliation in His Name"](https://www.absradiotv.com/2021/10/05/odida-eziowelle-immotalises...). Anambra Broadcasting Service. 5 October 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2023.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-dict_35-0)** Falola, Toyin; Genova, Ann; Heaton, Matthew M. (2018). [*Historical Dictionary of Nigeria*](https://books.google.com/books?id=GalWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA54). Rowman & Littlefield. p. 54. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781538113141](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781538113141). Retrieved 30 December 2022.

### Works cited

- Arinze, Francis Cardinal (3 February 2011). *God's Invisible Hand*. San Francisco: Ignatius Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-68149-213-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-68149-213-1).

- Akyeampong, Emmanuel Kwaku; Jr, Professor Henry Louis Gates (2 February 2012). [*Dictionary of African Biography*](https://books.google.com/books?id=39JMAgAAQBAJ&q=All%2520Hallows%2520Seminary%2520Onitsha&pg=PA268). OUP USA. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-538207-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-538207-5). Retrieved 10 December 2025.

## External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to ***[Francis Arinze](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Francis_Arinze)***.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Francis Arinze](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Francis_Arinze).

- ["Arinze Card. Francis"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_arinze_f.html). [Holy See Press Office](/source/Holy_See_Press_Office). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160919133749/https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_arinze_f.html) from the original on 19 September 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2017.

- [*Xclusive* 20 minutes with Cardinal Arinze](https://web.archive.org/web/20070701184040/http://www.xclusive.ie/10/farinze.html)

- ["Francis Cardinal Arinze"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221231004138/https://www.onitsha-archdiocese.org/archbishop/past-archbishops/francis-cardinal-arinze). *Archdiocese of Onitsha*. Archived from [the original](https://www.onitsha-archdiocese.org/archbishop/past-archbishops/francis-cardinal-arinze) on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.

Catholic Church titles New title — TITULAR — Bishop of Fissiana 1965 – 1967 Succeeded by Leo Rajendram Antony Preceded by Charles Heerey Archbishop of Onitsha 1967 – 1985 Succeeded by Stephen Nweke Ezeanya Preceded by Jean Jadot President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue 1985 – 2002 Succeeded by Michael L. Fitzgerald New title Cardinal Deacon of S. Giovanni della Pigna 1985 – 1996 Succeeded by Raffaele Farina Cardinal Priest of S. Giovanni della Pigna pro hac vice 1996 – 2005 Preceded by Jorge Medina Estévez Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments 2002 – 2008 Succeeded by Antonio Cañizares Llovera Preceded by Joseph Ratzinger Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni 2005 – Incumbent

v t e College of Cardinals List of current cardinals Cardinals of the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV in order of precedence Cardinal bishops Re Sandri Arinze Bertone Martins Parolin Ouellet Filoni Stella Tagle Raï Sako Cardinal priests Kitbunchu Poupard Wetter López Rodríguez Mahony Darmaatmadja Wamala Maida Puljić Sandoval Stafford De Giorgi Rouco Schönborn Rivera Pujats Sepe Kasper Bačkis Errázuriz Napier Rodríguez Cipriani Herranz Scola Okogie Zubeir Wako Rigali Antonelli Turkson Bozanić Barbarin Erdő Rodé Vallini Rosales Ricard Cañizares O'Malley Dziwisz Zen Lajolo Comastri Ryłko Farina Brady Martínez Sistach Bagnasco Sarr Gracias Robles DiNardo Scherer Njue Sarah Monterisi Burke Koch Piacenza Ravasi Romeo Wuerl Assis Nycz Ranjith Marx Brandmüller de Castro Abril Vegliò Bertello Coccopalmerio Aviz O'Brien Calcagno Versaldi Alencherry Collins Eijk Betori Dolan Woelki Tong Harvey Thottunkal Onaiyekan Salazar Baldisseri Müller Nichols Brenes Lacroix Kutwa Tempesta Bassetti Poli Yeom Ezzati Ouédraogo Quevedo Langlois Clemente Souraphiel Dew Nguyễn Suárez Bo Kovithavanij Montenegro Sturla Blázquez Lacunza Gomes Furtado Mafi Villalba Langa Nzapalainga Osoro Rocha Cupich D'Rozario Porras De Kesel Piat Aguiar Retes Ribat Tobin Zerbo Omella Arborelius Mangkhanekhoun Rosa De Donatis Coutts Marto Barreto Tsarahazana Petrocchi Maeda Ticona Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo García Ambongo Besungu Hollerich Ramazzini Zuppi López Romero Tamkevičius Kambanda Gregory Advincula Aós Lojudice Arizmendi Aveline Okpaleke Steiner Ferrão McElroy do Carmo da Silva Cantoni Poola Costa Goh Martínez Flores Marengo Jiménez Miglio Pizzaballa Brislin Rossi Rueda Ryś Mulla Cobo Rugambwa Francis Chow Bustillo Alves Aguiar Padrón Castillo Bokalic Cabrera Chomalí Kikuchi David Nemet Spengler Bessi Dogbo Vesco Mathieu Repole Reina Leo Bychok Battaglia Cardinal deacons Mamberti Zenari Farrell Simoni Ladaria Becciu Krajewski Bocos Mendonça Czerny Fitzgerald Grech Semeraro Gambetti Tomasi Cantalamessa Feroci Roche You Vérgez Ghirlanda Frezza Gugerotti Fernández Pierre Fernández Artime Marchetto Acerbi Makrickas Radcliffe Baggio Koovakad Cardinals ineligible to participate in a papal conclave in italics See also: Titular Titular church List of titular churches List of creations of cardinals Category Media Catholic Church portal

v t e Cardinals created by John Paul II 1979 Casaroli Caprio Cé Righi-Lambertini Căn Civardi Corripio y Ahumada Asajiro Satowaki Etchegaray Ballestrero Ó Fiaich Carter Macharski Rubin Kung Pin-mei 1983 Khoraish Yago Sabattani Kuharić Casoria Lebrún Moratinos Bernardin Kitbunchu do Nascimento López Trujillo Danneels Williams Martini Lustiger Glemp Vaivods Meisner de Lubac 1985 Dadaglio Lourdusamy Arinze Fresno Innocenti Obando y Bravo Mayer Suquía Goicoechea Hamer Vidal Gulbinowicz Tzadua Tomko Lubachivsky Deskur Poupard Vachon Decourtray Castillo Lara Wetter Piovanelli Simonis Gagnon Stickler Law O'Connor Biffi Pavan 1988 Martínez Somalo Silvestrini Felici Grégoire Padiyara Freire Falcão Giordano dos Santos Canestri Javierre Ortas Pimenta Revollo Bravo Clancy Moreira Neves Hickey Szoka Paskai Tumi Groër Martin Hensbach Sladkevičius Margéot Wu 1991 Sodano Todea Laghi Cassidy Coffy Etsou-Nzabi-Bamungwabi López Rodríguez Sanchez Noè Quarracino Angelini Mahony Posadas Ocampo Bevilacqua Saldarini Daly Ruini Korec Schwery Sterzinsky del Mestri Dezza 1994 Sfeir Vlk Poggi Shirayanagi Fagiolo Furno Oviedo Cavada Winning Suárez Rivera Ortega y Calamino Darmaatmadja Schotte Eyt Agustoni Wamala Keeler Vargas Alzamora Turcotte Carles Gordó Maida Puljić Razafindratandra Tụng Sandoval Íñiguez Echeverría Ruiz Świątek Tonini Koliqi Congar Grillmeier 1998 Medina Estévez Bovone Castrillón Hoyos Antonelli Stafford De Giorgi Fernandes de Araújo Rouco Varela Ambrozic Balland Tettamanzi Pengo Schönborn Rivera Carrera George Shan Kuo-hsi Kozłowiecki Cheli Colasuonno Monduzzi Jaworski Pujats 2001 Re Thuận Cacciavillan Sebastiani Grocholewski Saraiva Martins Sepe Mejía Daoud Pompedda Kasper Degenhardt González Zumárraga Dias Majella Agnelo Rubiano Sáenz McCarrick Connell Bačkis Errázuriz Ossa Terrazas Sandoval Napier Rodríguez Maradiaga Agré Billé Velasco Cipriani Thorne Álvarez Martínez Hummes Vithayathil Bergoglio Policarpo Poletto Murphy-O'Connor Egan Huzar Lehmann Ghattas Honoré Tucci Scheffczyk Dulles 2003 Tauran Martino Marchisano Herranz Casado Lozano Barragán Hamao Nicora Scola Okogie Panafieu Zubeir Wako Amigo Vallejo Rigali O'Brien Scheid Antonelli Bertone Turkson Toppo Pell Bozanić Mẫn Quezada Toruño Barbarin Erdő Ouellet Cottier Joos Špidlík Nagy Catholic Church portal

v t e Christianity in Nigeria Christian Groups Protestant Church of Nigeria Christ Holy Church International Evangelical Church Winning All Living Faith Church Worldwide Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Nigerian Baptist Convention Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Redeemed Christian Church of God Synagogue Church of All Nations Word of Life Bible Church Roman Catholic Catholic Church in Nigeria Holy Ghost Fathers Society of African Missions White Fathers Other The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria Foreign Missionaries Samuel Bill Mary Slessor Nigerian Christians Enoch Adeboye Samuel Ajayi Crowther Francis Arinze T. B. Joshua Ogbu Kalu Mgbeke George Okore David Oyedepo Interdenominational organisations Christian Association of Nigeria Seminaries ECWA Theological Seminary Theological College of Northern Nigeria

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Francis Arinze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Arinze) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Arinze?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.